Carrier also earns Pharmaceutical Logistics Award, reinforcing leadership in specialised air cargo transportation
Turkish Cargo, the global air cargo brand of Turkish Airlines, has once again secured international recognition after being named “Cargo Airline of the Year – Global” for the second consecutive year at the prestigious World Air Cargo Awards organised by Air Cargo Week. The carrier also received the “Air Cargo Industry Pharmaceutical Award”, recognising its excellence in temperature-controlled pharmaceutical logistics and specialised cargo transportation.
The awards presented at the ceremony held in Shanghai as part of Air Cargo China 2026 are among the most prestigious in the air cargo industry. Winners are determined through votes cast by industry professionals and the evaluation of an independent jury. The “Cargo Airline of the Year – Global”title is awarded based on criteria such as operational efficiency, customer satisfaction, innovative solutions, global network strength, and compliance with international safety standards. The “Air Cargo Industry Pharmaceutical Award” rewards compliance with international standards in pharmaceutical logistics, temperature-controlled transportation, and success in innovative practices.
The “Cargo Airline of the Year – Global” award acknowledges excellence across several key performance indicators, including operational efficiency, customer satisfaction, global network connectivity, innovation, service quality and adherence to international safety standards. Meanwhile, the “Air Cargo Industry Pharmaceutical Award” highlights carriers that have demonstrated exceptional capabilities in pharmaceutical logistics through strict compliance with global regulatory requirements, advanced temperature-controlled transport solutions and innovative handling practices.
The latest recognition further strengthens Turkish Cargo’s reputation as one of the world’s leading air cargo operators, reflecting its continued investment in operational excellence, digitalisation and specialised logistics solutions.
On the awards, Turkish Airlines Chief Cargo Officer Ali Türk said: “As Turkish Cargo, we are very pleased to be selected once again as the ‘Cargo Airline of the Year – Global’.” Being awarded the same honor for two consecutive years is an important indicator that our customer-centric service approach and that our operational capabilities are recognized at an international level. The award we received in pharmaceutical transportation once again confirms our expertise in special cargo transportation and our high standards in this field. I would like to thank all our colleagues who contributed to this achievement, as well as our customers and business partners who place their trust in us. In line with Turkish Airlines’ 2033 vision, we will continue to strengthen our operational capabilities and our expertise in special cargo transportation.”
The dual awards come as Turkish Cargo continues to expand its global footprint and strengthen its portfolio of specialised logistics products. In recent months, the carrier has introduced new industry-focused services, including TK Auto for the automotive sector, while accelerating digital transformation initiatives aimed at enhancing operational efficiency, customer experience and shipment visibility.
Operating from its state-of-the-art SMARTIST cargo hub at Istanbul Airport, Turkish Cargo provides extensive global connectivity linking major manufacturing centres, international trade hubs and emerging markets through Turkish Airlines’ expansive worldwide network. The carrier currently serves more than 350 destinations with a fleet exceeding 520 aircraft, supported by specialised products designed for pharmaceuticals, perishables, live animals, valuables, express shipments and other time-sensitive cargo.
The latest international accolades underscore Turkish Cargo’s growing influence in the global air freight industry and reaffirm its commitment to delivering reliable, innovative and value-added logistics solutions to customers across international markets. As global supply chains increasingly demand speed, resilience and specialised handling capabilities, the carrier continues to invest in digital innovation, operational excellence and customer-centric services to support the evolving needs of global trade.
Providing strong connectivity that enables access to production and trade centers around the world, Turkish Cargo continues to strengthen its leading position in the global air cargo industry. The international awards received throughout the year once again demonstrate Turkish Cargo’s commitment to providing its customers with reliable, innovative, and value-added solutions.
